‘Living as fire-dependent people.’ Digital Art by Lauren Marchand
Learn how you can support those impacted by the wildfires throughout Indigenous homelands.
By kelsie kilawna
In my upbringing I lived in close kinship with fire and we were taught to not fear fire, we used it mindfully to caretake our homelands. Since I was a child my father brought me up to understand fire as a tool for caretaking the land. I remember walking along the firelines my Dad had lit and talking to it, asking it to do its good work.
We whisper words of love to our fire. Fire is a kin, we ask for its help in all times of our life. We light the fire to help guide spirits to our ceremonies, we respect the energy of fire, and we acknowledge its importance in caretaking the land. These fires are but a reminder that the land has been longing the hands of the people who know its name.
And now, in the heart of sqilx’w (Indigenous) homelands, fire, with a fierce force knows no boundaries. The wildfires sweeping through the landscapes of what has been very briefly known as Canada have left us in profound sorrow as we witness the destruction, they bring upon the land, the animals, and the communities they touch. From the depths of our spirits, we extend a message of solidarity, compassion, and hope to all those affected by this visit with fire.
In light of the ongoing wildfires on the outskirts of Yellowknife and the surrounding regions, we extend our heartfelt solidarity and support to the residents and responders grappling with this pressing crisis. These fires underscore the urgency of collective action and solidarity as we face the challenges of our changing environment.
Our human connection to the land runs deep; it is the keeper of our laws, the bearer of our stories, and the source of our sustenance and livelihood. Just as our Ancestors cared for these lands for countless generations, we hold a responsibility to stand together and offer our support to those facing these unimaginable times. The flames may tear through the forests, but they cannot extinguish the bonds we share as human beings and as global inhabitants of this Earth.
In this time of crisis, we offer our hands and hearts to all those who have lost homes, loved ones, and a piece of their own souls to the fires. We understand the pain of losing connection to important kinships, and we want you to know that you are not alone in your journey of recovery. The road ahead may be long, but as we join forces, it becomes a path illuminated by the strength of our unity.
It is important for us to remember that while the fires may be uncontrollable, the power of human empathy and compassion is a force even greater. Let us extend our thoughts and prayers not only to those directly impacted but also to the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are bravely battling the flames and supporting their communities. Their selfless dedication is a reminder that hope and heroism thrive even in the darkest of times.
As Indigenous people, we draw our knowledge from our own inner knowings and teachings. As a fire-dependent culture who live in kinship with fire, we remember that its medicine can be both a creator and a destroyer, a symbol of transformation and renewal. In the wake of these fires, let us come together to rebuild, to move into newness, and to learn from the land itself.
For those who wish to offer their assistance, we provide a list of resources that can help channel your support in meaningful ways:
Indigenous Fire Stewardship Programs: Many Indigenous communities have traditional knowledge and practices related to fire management. Support their efforts to restore balance to the ecosystems through controlled burns and sustainable practices.
Such as: Penticton Indian Band Land Guardians, Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department
Local Indigenous Communities and Organizations: Reach out to local Indigenous organizations or community partners to inquire about their specific needs and how you can provide support directly to those affected.
Such as: IndigiNews Media for more localized news, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Kermode Friendship Centre, Dze L K’Ant Friendship Centre Society, Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert, Tears to Hope Society, Indian Residential School Society.
Red Cross and Other Relief Organizations: These organizations provide immediate assistance to evacuees and those impacted by natural disasters. Your donations can make a difference in providing emergency relief.
Such as: Become trained in B.C. to support ESS response, United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, 2023 NWT Red Cross Donation, for the most on-the-ground impact donate to United Way NWT.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers: As the fires displace animals, many will need care and rehabilitation. Donate to centers working to rescue and heal wildlife affected by the fires.
Such as: Veterinarians without Borders, BC SPCA Wildfire Support, NWT SPCA Wildfire Support, Parachute for Pets
Education and Awareness: Learn more about Indigenous land caretaking practices, climate change, and the history of wildfires in the region. This knowledge can inform your actions and conversations.
Such as: Short film ‘Oshkigin – Spirit of Fire,’ syilx (Okanagan) Fire Management, Revitalizing Traditional Burning in the Tshilqot’in, syilx Water Strategy, Ktunaxa Cultural Burning,
In closing, let us remember that the spirit of unity and love is what truly defines humanity. The wildfires may test our strength, but they will never extinguish our capacity to care for one another. Together, with open hearts and open hands, we will overcome these times and emerge stronger, more connected, and more committed to safeguarding the land and each other.
Let this be a reminder that the land has been longing for our hands.
In solidarity.
About the Writer:
kelsie kilawna, a syilx and Secwepemc woman, who lives on her syilx homelands, briefly referred to by guests as the “Okanagan.” Her writing style embodies her commitment and duty to uphold the well-being of her people through respectful storytelling. kelsie recognizes the shared responsibility among all sqilx’w to be caretakers of the land and so ensures she nurtures the relationships her community has cultivated with other Nations by sharing stories in a good way that honours and respects all. kelsie is a Senior Specialist, Cultural Collaboration and Storytelling at MakeWay.
